Sabio by the Sea - A Spanish Weekend Brunch by the Marina at Quayside Isle

I had this brunch some time ago but I remember it like it was yesterday. It was great fun with a whole bunch of blogger friends. Then everyone started posting, and the same dishes were popping up everywhere. So I decided to stagger my coverage for later, so it would not be overkill. Then weeks crept into months (yikes!), but I suppose better late than never. It's still a great weekend brunch, and I have to tell you that the best churros are here!

Sabio by the Sea is the extension of Sabio at Duxton Hill (both under the Deliciae Hospitality Management Group which also includes L'Entrecote, &Made and Forlino, to name a few).

This Spanish tapas bar and grill faces the lovely Sentosa Marina at Quayside Isle. Like at its sister restaurant, there are hand-painted Catalan tiles and hand carvings inspired by a 200-year old bar in Seville.

At both restaurants, there is a signature long bar. Here, bright red stools ad a pop of colour to the neutrals. The vibe is casual and laid back, and the open space feels spacious and airy.



I really like the dramatic white antler lighting fixtures. What beautiful chandeliers they make.

But let's get down to brunch. With a Josper grill monster oven in the kitchen grilling and roasting all the food by intense charcoal heat, the food is bound to have a different touch.

Here's the weekend brunch menu below (click to see larger version).

On weekends, a mere S$35 gets you the El Sabio basket of breads and croissants, along with a glass of juice, yoghurt with berries and jam, plus a hearty main course. And a hot drink (coffee/tea) to cap it all off.



Here's the El Sabio Basket with scrumptious croissants and awesome breads. Have a Sangria (the white one is particularly refreshing) if you are so inclined.



Oh the smooth and tangy yoghurt with berries...there is nothing plain about this!



Fluffy Omelette, Roasted Potatoes , Manchego Cheese, Serano Ham, Basil And Grilled Cherry Tomatoes is one of the mains you can choose. As you can see from the ingredients, it's a very filling omelette, served in an iron skillet that helps to keep it warm. The whole ensemble may be a tad greasy for some, but savour it slowly and stretch it out for a leisurely brunch.


!
If you prefer something simpler, go for the Grilled Olive Bread stuffed with Manchego Cheese and Serrano Ham. This is no ordinary ham and cheese sandwich for sure!



Bigger appetites will appreciate the Grilled Ribeye (120g) with Chachouka, Fried Egg And Grilled Mushrooms. Oh yeah, it's all beef underneath the fried egg!



Chachouka With Chorizo Sausage, Two Fried Eggs, Toasted Brioche And Green Salad
Chachouka (also known as Shakshuka) is of Tunisian/North African origin - often a tomato and pepper stew with eggs. Here they've added zucchini as well.



But the star dish has got to be this - El Pulpo – Grilled Octopus leg, “Viola” Mash Potato, Sauce Paprika (S$19). Not on the brunch menu, but you have to try this while you are there. Juicy, smoky and umami - oh, how we all loved this grilled octopus. The purple mash is equally addictive, but the colour combination reminds me, rather cheekily, of Ursula.



And you must have the Churros (S$11) - seriously the best churros in Singapore, if I may say so. Delightfully crispy dough sticks dusted with sugar and cinnamon, so good on their own that you almost don't need the rich dark chocolate sauce!



The other dessert that's sinfully good is the Signature Salty Butter Caramel Lava Cake (S$15). The salty caramel version of chocolate lava cake. Swoon! It's the house signature dessert (please allow 15 mins to bake upon order), specially created by Chef Bruno Menard.



Speaking of which, here he is (left) with Group Executive Chef Damien Le Bihan (right), who is from Brittany, France and worked his way through the ranks in Michelin-star restaurants. He joined the Deliciae group from Guy Savoy where he was General Manager.



We thoroughly enjoyed brunch that day - it was like a mini-vacation in a different country, with sangria in hand, Spanish tapas and breakfast dishes facing the peaceful marina.

However, Sentosa Cove is quite tough to get to, if you don't drive or take a cab. From Beach Station, you can take the free Sentosa Bus 3 to Sentosa Cove Arrival Plaza (there's one every half hour from 8am to 10.30pm).

Also admission fees to Sentosa is reduced to $2 during lunch (12 to 2pm) and dinner (after 5pm) on weekdays. Parking is free at Quayside Isle during lunchtime on weekdays (except Public Holidays) from 16 September to 1 November 2013. Check out the weekday lunchtime promotion too.

SABIO BY THE SEA (Facebook page)
31 Ocean Way
#01-02
Singapore 098395
(Next to W Hotel Singapore)
Tel: +65 6690-7568

Open Daily
Monday to Thursday 12PM to 10PM
Friday 12PM to 12AM
Saturday 10AM to 12AM
Sunday 10AM to 10PM


Big thanks to Belinda for inviting us, and to Helene Denaiffe of Deliciae for hosting the brunch. Also to Chefs Bruno Menard and Damien Le Bihan for their hospitality.